More that half of UK workers would consider moving abroad

By Sirgut Yadeta

Estimated 400,000 Britons move abroad each year. The latest survey predicts 1.8 million Britons retiring abroad by 2025 and 3.3 million by 2050.

Accoring to the latest survey by Manpower, over 53 per cent of UK workers said they would consider moving abroad for work.

Manpower’s global Borderless Workforce survey of over 28,000 employers and 29,800 workers – shows that the global labour market is one of mobility.

It reveled that Europe, Australia, the US, Norway and Canada coming up as the top destination wish-list. Of those surveyed, 50 per cent say that thier move abroad is a temporary thing, looking to return within three years.

UK workers are the fourth most popular for filling talent shortages for employers, accoring to the research. UK also come up as the is the second most popular location for workers to relocate to for work (behind the US) and the first destination of choice among workers is EMEA (Europe, the Middle East and Africa)

Mark Cahill Managing Director of Manpower UK, says, "Many UK workers would consider a move abroad for work to experience new cultures and to develop new skills. At the same time, the UK is benefiting from foreign workers who bring much needed skills and help add to the diversity of the workplace."

The survey suggests that the most common reasons for people to move abraod are pay increase followed by an opportunity for career advancement and opportunity to experience a new culture.

It reveled that UK employers are not overly worried about UK workers considering moving abroad as they are using foreign labour to address shortages in a variety of hard to fill UK roles: labourers, chefs/cooks, skilled trades, PAs & administrative assistants, accounting & finance staff, doctors and nursing staff.

Mark Cahill says, "Today’s labour market has a constant circulation of workers – out of the UK as well as into the country. The UK’s flexible labour market is of huge benefit to many employers and employees and we believe is key to the success of the economy.

"Whilst this flow continues it is a win-win for everyone. But it is important to ensure that the right recruitment and retention policies are in place for employers to attract, identify and hold onto those individuals who will make the difference to their business.”